Biopolymer matt for use in tissue repair and reconstruction

Abstract

Biopolymer matt, biopolymer matt composites, biopolymer matt compositions, and methods of preparing the matt and composite matts are described. Also described are biocompatible constructs which include extracellular matrix macromolecules and methods of preparing these constructs. The matt, matt compositions and biocompatible constructs of the invention can be used in tissue repair and reconstruction.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A resorbable nonporous biopolymer matt comprising a densely packed random array of biopolymer fibrils. 
     
     
       2. The biopolymer matt of claim  1 , wherein said biopolymer fibrils are selected from the group consisting of collagen, laminin, elastin, fibronectin, fibrinogen, thrombospondin, gelatin, polysaccharides, poly- 1 -amino acids and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       3. The biopolymer matt of claim  1 , wherein said biopolymer fibrils are derived from collagen. 
     
     
       4. The biopolymer matt of claim  3 , wherein said collagen is fetal porcine collagen. 
     
     
       5. The biopolymer matt of claim  1 , wherein said biopolymer matt further comprises macromolecules necessary for cell growth, morphogenesis, differentiation, or tissue building and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       6. The biopolymer matt of claim  1 , wherein the biopolymer fibrils are crosslinked. 
     
     
       7. The biopolymer matt of claim  1 , further including a resorbable polymer selected from the group consisting of fibers, braids, bundles of fibers, fabrics and nonwoven fabrics. 
     
     
       8. The biopolymer matt of claim  1 , wherein said biopolymer further includes pores. 
     
     
       9. The biopolymer matt of claim  1 , wherein said matt is in or on a support. 
     
     
       10. The biopolymer matt of claim  9 , wherein said support is porous. 
     
     
       11. The biopolymer matt of claim  10 , wherein said biopolymer matt is bound to a single density biopolymer foam comprising a network of communicating microcompartments having biopolymer molecules and/or biopolymer filaments interspersed within the wall of the microcompartments, wherein the microcompartments: 
       have volume dimensions of x, y, and z, wherein x=length, y=width, and z=height, are substantially equal, and range from about 1 μm to about 300 μm; and  
       have an average wall thickness of less than about 10 μm.  
     
     
       12. The biopolymer matt of claim  11 , wherein said biopolymer foam is derived from fetal porcine collagen. 
     
     
       13. The biopolymer matt of claim  1 , wherein said biopolymer matt further comprises cells.